A sixth grade student at Springfield Middle School in Lucama died Wednesday afternoon after being hit by a car in Wilson County, according to the school's principal.

The State Highway Patrol said the incident happened just after 4:20 p.m. in the 9100 block of New Sandy Hill Church Road.

They said a pickup truck was traveling west and crested a hill at the same time as 11-year-old Julia Manuel was crossing the road to go to a mailbox. Troopers said the truck was not speeding.

"We would like to first give all glory to The Lord Jesus Christ for taking care of our baby girl. We are praying for the Crickmore family during this time. We want to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and support," Manuel family said in a statement Thursday.

"[Manuel was a] very lively, beautiful smile, very sweet, very innocent," Springfield Middle School Principal Pattie Barnes said. "Her teachers called her ladybug -- typical 6th grade girl, she liked to talk, she had friends. Very spirits, lots of energy, smart."

Grief counselors were at Springfield Middle School Thursday helping students cope with Manuel's death.

"It's very tough," Barnes said. "I'm a woman of faith so that's what's keeping me strong and I know that our teachers are enduring through this. I know that our students are coping as best they can."